Attack of the Russian vampire moths

A new form of vampirism has appeared: blood-sucking moths.  It's a new thing, perhaps evolution in action:

When the Russian moths were experimentally offered human hands this summer, the insects drilled their hook-and-barb-lined tongues under the skin and sucked blood.

There are some fine Gothic touches, including a sexual explanation for the misbehavior, and the alternative method of feeding on tears.  As for the former, the scientists did really call that theory "the sexual gift."

Cannibals, apocalyptic cults, spy conspiracies and radioactive assassination - is Russia the house of the new Gothic?

(via The Cranky Professor)

Comments

[Dona]

So Thursday, on the way to pick up my daughter from school I heard an NPR broadcast about vampire bats. A listener called in and mentioned these moths. She had the details wrong though. So, I heard it here first!

And -- thanks to you -- I just had a lengthy and interesting discussion with my two teens and my husband about these moths and evolution. I realized my kids are pretty darned smart!